New head of annuities at Canada Life

31 March 2026

Canada Life have appointed Kris Black as Head of Annuities. It’s a newly created role at the leading insurer and annuity provider, indicating their continuing investment in the annuity market.

Kris brings extensive experience to this new post. He previously held responsibility for aspects of Canada Life’s annuity business, as well as retirement mortgage products, including equity release. Before joining the company, he held senior roles at Willis Towers Watson and Aviva.

Kris said: “I am delighted to be moving into a role where I can help shape the next phase of growth of our market leading annuity business.

“As the retirement landscape in the UK continues to evolve, guaranteed income solutions will play a critical role in helping customers manage risk and plan with confidence.”

In another move for the later-life side of the company’s operations, Alice Watson is appointed Head of Home Finance within Canada Life’s retirement business.

Commenting on the appointments, Pete Maddern, Managing Director, Retirement, Canada Life, said: 

“The Retirement business is a critical component of Canada Life's long-term success and Kris and Alice’s appointments reflect the investment we are making to strengthen our team to deliver our ambitious strategy.

“Growing customer demand and regulatory change is creating significant opportunity in both the annuities and home finance markets and these new roles will ensure we are well positioned to turn this opportunity into sustainable growth.  

“Having worked with both Kris and Alice for a number of years, I am confident their leadership expertise and deep knowledge of the retirement market will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our proposition and deliver for our customers.”

Retirement Line wishes Kris and Alice every success in their new roles.